4
Soft Rush Moderate amount of research on Juncus spp in Ireland Slightly surprising given label as agricultural weed Might suggest that issues concerning soft rushes are minimal or have been solved

5
In Ireland Broad distribution in Ireland In many areas, with poorer soils, some fields almost completely covered Some work to reclaim peat soils for agricultural use in Mayo in 2001 – but soft rush invaded and became dominant

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Growth Produces very high numbers of seeds - estimated at 4 milion per square metre But seeds represent tiny fraction of biomass produced annually (0.27%) Soil seedbank remains viable and provides for events such as flooding

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Control Undesirable aspects of soft rush growth not a recent problem. Classified as a weed as it is unpalatable to stock and low feed value It is well known as an agricultural Soft rush is quite resilient, not normally eaten by stock, but they will at high densities Soft rush resistant to grazing pressure, trampling and annual cutting

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Control Hydrologic conditions that favour the development of rush stands will not change with control methods such as: – Cutting – Herbicides – Grazing Common to drain and cut or cut and spray

12
Effects of cutting Research in 1939 - two cuts in two consecutive years produced an 80% reduction in shoot numbers This work also stated that it was important to have first cut in July – before and after was less effective at control Work in 1936 suggested that rushes seemed to be most susceptible to weakening if cut shortly after mid - summer. Others noted that some rush species do not flourish at sites where hay is cut annually fields cut for hay year after year. Trials in 1964 found that mowing repeatedly 4–6 times per year was required to control the rushes but would not eliminate them.

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Effects of cutting 1995 work suggested that cutting to half their height had no effect Cutting to ground level twice a year over two years effective at controlling them Most control methods in use in Ireland involve herbicides in combination with cutting or drainage – depending on land use

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Summary to date High moisture content but relatively easy to dry Obviously dont have to get moisture to zero Very low ash content on combustion Very low density when dry Energy content comparable to currently available products Perhaps consider them as an addition